Nifty November 2011 futures were at 5247, at a premium of 55.40 points over spot closing of 5191.60. Turnover on NSE's futures & options segment surged to Rs 248830.95 crore from Rs 150469.14 crore on Monday, 24 October 2011.

State Bank of India (SBI) November 2011 futures were at 1858, at a premium over spot closing of 1842.25.

Key benchmark indices gained for the second straight day to scale 11-1/2-week closing highs after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said at a policy review today, 25 October 2011, that a likely moderation in inflation from December 2011 will provide some room for monetary policy to address growth risks in the short run. The barometer index BSE Sensex regained the psychological 17,000 mark, as the central bank hinted at pause in its rate hike cycle after announcing a 25 basis points hike in its key policy rate today, 25 October 2011. The Sensex jumped 315.58 points or 1.86%, up about 355 points from the day's low and off about to 70 points from the day's high.

Infosys has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Dalian High-tech Zone in China, to establish a branch company of Infosys Technologies. (BS)

A special purpose vehicle with equity participation from state-owned telcos BSNL and MTNL and other public sector units such as Rail-Tel, Gail and PowerGrid will be entrusted with the Rs200bn project to build a national broadband network to take high-speed internet to the hinterlands. (ET)

Areva T&D, which is a part of Alstom Grid has bagged Rs4bn contract for 765 kv extra high voltage substation from Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd. (BS)

The Indian equity indices ended higher on Monday, starting off the holiday-shortened week with smart gains, as investors around the world welcomed reported progress talks between the eurozone nations on ways to tackle the economically crippling debt crisis.Encouraging data from Japan and China also helped lift the mood ahead of Tuesday's RBI monetary policy.

However, the main indices did surrender some of the session's gains after the release of downbeat Composite PMI data in Europe. European equity indices pared their gains after data showed that the preliminary composite purchasing managers index (PMI) for the eurozone fell to 47.2 in October, its lowest reading since July 2009. Economists had forecast a decline to 48.8. A reading of less than 50 signals contraction while a figure of more than 50 implies expansion.

Troubles as light as air, love as deep as ocean, friends as solid as diamonds, and success as bright as Gold… These are our wishes for you and your family on the eve of Diwali.

The global markets seem to be already in Diwali mode. Increasing hopes of a long-term solution to the eurozone debt problem at Wednesday’s summit is boosting sentiment for now. A grim reading on private sector activity in the debt-strapped eurozone is not being given much attention.

Crude prices ended substantially higher on Monday, 24 October at Nymex. Prices shot up following better than expected data in the manufacturing zone out of China. Somber dollar and prevailing optimism as comments from European officials suggested progress toward a broad debt plan instilled optimism about the region also pushed up prices on expectations of higher demand.

Prices rise as dollar stays weak and on positive developments from Europe

Precious metals ended higher for second consecutive day on Monday, 24 October 2011 at Comex. Prices shot up on optimism as comments from European officials suggested progress toward a broad debt plan instilled optimism about the region. A somber dollar also imparted the shine.

Copper once again remains the biggest gainers in the broader metals complex on Monday

Red metal prices at Comex once again ended substantially higher on Monday, 24 October 2011. Red metal prices advanced, helping to extend the biggest rally in industrial metals in two years, as European leaders' plans to aid banks and preliminary China data boosted optimism about the outlook for economic growth.

The market may open higher on firm Asian stocks. Trading of S&P CNX Nifty futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates a gain of 22.50 points at the opening bell.

With inflation remaining at uncomfortably high level, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is seen delivering another rate hike at its half-yearly review of the monetary policy today, 25 October 2011. A 25 basis points hike in repo rate is expected from the central bank tomorrow. The annual rate of inflation in the food space increased in early October while inflation in the fuel group also edged up, data released by the government showed recently.